Northwest Law explores current issues of local interest and local history, particularly topics relating to the courts and the legislature. Discussion will range across judges and their decisions as well as the influence of special interests on legislation.

A Little More on Pastor Rick Warren

I may have been a little hard in my characterization of Rick Warren. He scoffs at the idea that gay marriage is a threat to traditional marriage and points to the high divorced rate. He gave Obama a forum when many Evangelicals were almost literally calling for Obama’s head. In defense of his stance against gay marriage he points to religions around the world and says that this is not an evangelical issue but one common to most religions. That is an approach that opens the door to discussion.

He sees environmental issues as moral and seems to be open to rational discussion in general while being strong in his views. He does not seem to confuse patriotism and theology and does not see Iraq as a religious mission against infidels or heretics or whatever it is that our side calls them.

We need to keep in mind that Evangelicals are not only the people that Bush calls his “base:” People like Pat Roberson who call for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, people who celebrate “pre-emptive” war without a thought for a million civilian deaths, people who mock Jesus admonitions against wealth by hoarding millions of dollars gained through their ministries.

I have a number of friends who are Evangelicals, who have given their lives to helping the poor, who give themselves fully to the people in their lives and who have a highly developed moral sense that is incorporated into the way they think and act. They do not condemn people and have great compassion. We differ on doctrine but I love these friends.

I’ve found common ground with Evangelicals and I’m pretty sure anyone could. Agreeing with someone is not the cornerstone of respect and friendship.